Gabonese citizens participate in presidential, parliamentary and local government elections

  About 847,000 eligible voters participated in yesterday's Saturday general election in Gabon. Information from the country says that, in some areas, the voting exercise was very late to start, especially in areas of the capital Libreville. Various voters interviewed by journalists have said that they spent more than 6 hours waiting for the polling stations to be opened. One of the voters who identified himself as Georges Bekale has told reporters that he has been at the polling station for more than six hours. Similar problems and disruptions have also been reported in several cities in Gabon such as Port-Gentil which is the economic capital of the country. President Ali Bongo of Gabon Gabon has called three elections in one day, namely the election of the president, parliamentarians and local governments. 19 candidates have competed in the presidential race this year.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba, of the ruling Gabon Democratic Party (PDG), has run for the presidency for the third consecutive term, fighting against 18 other candidates. Approximately 3,000 polling stations have been allocated inside and outside the country. About 16,000 Gabonese citizens living abroad are authorized to vote but only in the presidential election. According to the Constitution of Gabon, polling stations must be officially closed at 6:00 p.m., according to the country's summer time. Land and sea borders, as well as recreational areas were closed yesterday on Election Day to ensure peaceful and orderly voting.